BLACK TOMATO AND AGATHA CHRISTIE LIMITED PARTNER TO DEBUT THE AUTHOR'S REIMAGINED GRAND TOUR

An inspiring new series of journeys celebrating the centenary of Christie's historic voyage 

London, UK (9th February 2022) – An exciting new addition for early 2022 and just in time for the cinematic release of Death on the Nile – Black Tomato has been handpicked by Agatha Christie Limited (ACL), in close collaboration with her great grandson James Prichard, to be their official luxury travel partner to celebrate 100 years since Agatha departed on her ambitious global Grand Tour. To mark the centenary of her inimitable adventure, Black Tomato is curating a series of journeys inspired by Agatha's 10-month voyage around the world that originally set sail in January 1922, offering travellers the opportunity to embark on a trip following her footsteps starting in the UK and travelling onwards through Africa, Australasia, and North America. Think: kicking off in London with legendary historian Lucy Worsley, OBE, over tea at Brown's Hotel, or whisked off on a private flight to Niagara Falls, exploring wine country with private tasting at three boutique wineries, Black Tomato's signature creative flair reinterpreting her North America sojourn.

“I grew up with Agatha Christie, through reading and watching her television dramas every Sunday with my family, a cosy ritual that was a staple of my childhood and opened up the world of travel to me. These rich stories were a focal point in our household, along with millions of her devoted worldwide fans, and strongly influenced my upbringing, with their unforgettable backdrops and captivating characters,” explains Black Tomato's co-founder Tom Marchant. “That Black Tomato was selected by Agatha Christie Limited to breathe life into this iconic journey is a huge source of pride and we hope we do justice to her enormous legacy. Though a century apart, we both share an acute passion for storytelling and find the world a remarkable source to fuel creativity. In bringing this special adventure to life - which inspired some of her most beloved books, we're similarly aiming to harness travel to inspire life affirming journeys, as well as a new generation of literary fans.”

“My great grandmother's travels were a huge influence on her writing, which is evident in stories such as The Man in the Brown Suit (directly inspired by this round the world trip) and of course, Murder on the Orient Express and Death on the Nile,” explains James Prichard, Chairman and CEO of Agatha Christie Limited. “So, we were delighted when Black Tomato, a travel brand with storytelling at its heart, agreed to partner with us in celebrating Agatha's many adventures by creating this bespoke itinerary.”

Following the launch in April 2021, of Black Tomato's series of itineraries based on beloved children's literature, called Take me on a Story, ACL approached Black Tomato to explore a possible collaboration to celebrate the centennial of Agatha's Grand Tour. Black Tomato has since worked closely with the team at ACL to unpack intimate details of Christie's iconic tour, with guests even gaining exclusive insights from Agatha's great grandson, James Prichard, who pending availability, will also be on hand to kick off their journey in London. 

From visiting and staying in places as Agatha did, selecting significant moments and innovatively reinterpreting them for the modern age, this epic multi-leg adventure will thoughtfully celebrate key moments along Agatha's tour. Highlights include South Africa via Hout Bay, Constantia, Kalk Bay, Wynberg and a private a surf lesson on Cape Peninsula, notably where Agatha first tried surfing. Using ACL's knowledge of her tour and Black Tomato's ability to create remarkable experiences, this multi-leg exploration will not only educate new Christie fans but give enthusiasts a chance to authentically experience the world as she did, but with contemporary flourish. We're honoured to help celebrate the legacy of the beloved, and best-selling (outsold only by the Bible and Shakespeare), author of all time.

As each client trip is bespoke, itineraries can be booked independently or woven together, and highlights include: 

Leg 1: London, 2 nights | Stay: Brown's Hotel | For enhanced behind-the-scenes insight on Agatha Christie's “The Grand Tour”, option to gain exclusive download over Afternoon Tea with legendary British Historian Lucy Worsley or James Prichard, Agatha's great-grandson. Fun fact: As Agatha departed on this legendary trip, her book The Secret Adversary was first published. Price on request.

Leg 3: Australia and New Zealand, 15 nights | Stay: Park Hyatt Melbourne, Henry Jones Art Hotel, Saffire Freycinet, Otahuna Lodge, Rimu Lodge, Edenhouse, Huka Lodge | This epic adventure includes visiting the Dandenong Ranges via a centuries-old, lovingly preserved steam train called Puffing Billy. Much as Agatha travelled to remote Dandenong Ranges by bush tram, guests will too, riding through fern covered gullies and disembarking for a stately garden tour and picnic lunch. On a private full day tour of Hokitika, expect ambles in lush beech forests and views of one of the most spectacular waterfalls in New Zealand, uncovering several places Agatha visited, including Lake Kaniere, Otira Gorge and Arthur's Pass. Guides will explain the long coal and gold mining history of the region, including its peak during the gold rush of 1864-1867 on a privately guided tour of Nelson, checking out the limestone formations in Greymouth. From £19,255 per person.

Leg 4: North America, 13 nights | Stay: Moana Surfrider, Fairmont Empress, Fairmont Banff Springs, Omni King Edward, Mandarin Oriental New York | Much as Agatha surfed and enjoyed traditional cultural activities, travellers will take a private surf lesson on Waikiki Beach to quickly master techniques needed to helm the Hawaiian surf, and enjoy an intimate, rustic luau, family style, to uncover the areas rich history and vibrant people. While posted up at the grand Omni King Edward, a private flight will take guests to the mighty Niagara Falls, exploring surrounding wine country with private tasting at three boutique wineries with a locally sourced gourmet lunch and pairings before seeing the Falls themselves. Culminating in New York to mirror Agatha's trip, her highlights here were traditional delis and memorable eateries, which will feature in a food tour. From £13,570 per person.

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About Black Tomato

Black Tomato is a UK and US-based award-winning, bespoke luxury travel company that delivers imaginative and cutting-edge private travel experiences around the world for a discerning and global clientele. Known for handcrafting inspiring, immersive, and deeply personal itineraries for clients, they have been awarded accolades such as Conde Nast Traveller's Top Travel Specialists and Readers' Choice Awards 2021 and Travel + Leisure's World's Best Tour Operators 2021. Black Tomato are long-standing members of the prestigious Virtuoso travel network of leading luxury travel specialists. For more information, please visit www.blacktomato.com.

About Agatha Christie Limited

Agatha Christie Limited (ACL) has been managing the literary and media rights to Agatha Christie's works around the world since 1955. Collaborating with the very best talents in film, television, publishing, stage and on digital platforms ACL ensures that Christie's work continues to reach new audiences in innovative ways and to the highest standard.